A BOLTON MP is stepping up the pressure on the government over sixth form funding.

Sir David Crausby supports the national Support Our Sixth Formers campaign and in a series of Parliamentary questions he asked what assessment the Government has made of the adequacy of funding for sixth-form colleges to provide mental health support, careers advice, and employability skills.

Sir David said: “For many students Sixth Form is their entry into the workforce or university.

“A little extra help away from their A-level classes can really make a difference to that next stage of their life but funding cuts mean this support is at risk of disappearing.”

Stuart Merrills, principal at Bolton Sixth Form College, said: "Bolton Sixth Form College is delighted by Sir David’s continued backing of the Support Our Sixth-Formers campaign. Sir David and a growing number of fellow MPs understand the importance of the sixth form funding that did not actually reach schools and colleges in their constituency in each of the last three financial years. At a time when 16-18 education is in dire need of additional investment."

Anne Milton MP, Minister for State (Education) responded to Sir David. She said: "In addition the department is actively considering the efficiency and resilience of the further education sector, and how far existing and forecast funding and regulatory structures meet the costs of delivering world-class provision."